Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including the tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles. In recent years, collagen supplements have become popular. Most are hydrolyzed, which means that the collagen has been broken down, making it easier for you to absorb. In this article, we will share with you some of the benefits of taking collagen supplements.

First, we will look into foods that contain collagen, side effects, and boosting muscle mass. Next, we will discuss preventing bone loss and improving skin health. Then, we’ll talk about promoting heart health and relieving joint pain and wrap up with other health benefits. Once you have finished reading, you will be able to take advantage of the benefits of taking collagen supplements.

1Foods That Contain Collagen

Collagen is found in the connective tissues of animals; thus, foods like chicken skin, pork skin, beef, and fish are sources of collagen. Foods that contain gelatin, such as bone broth, also provide collagen. Gelatin is a protein substance derived from collagen after it has been cooked. More research is needed to determine whether eating collagen-rich foods helps increase collagen in the body. There have not been any human studies on whether collagen-rich foods have the same benefits as supplements.

Digestive enzymes break down the collagen in food into individual amino acids and peptides. However, the collagen in supplements has already been broken down or hydrolyzed, which is why it’s thought to be absorbed more efficiently than the collagen in foods. Several foods contain collagen, including animal foods and bone broth. However, its absorption is not as efficient as that of hydrolyzed collagen.

2Collagen’s Side Effects

Currently, there are not many known risks associated with taking collagen supplements. However, some supplements are made from common food allergens, such as fish, shellfish, and eggs. People with allergies to these foods should avoid collagen supplements made with these ingredients to prevent allergic reactions. Some people have also reported that collagen supplements leave a lingering bad taste in their mouths.

Additionally, collagen supplements have the potential to cause digestive side effects, such as feelings of fullness and heartburn. Regardless, these supplements appear to be safe for most people. Collagen supplements may lead to side effects, such as a bad taste in the mouth, heartburn, and fullness. If you have allergies, make sure to purchase supplements that aren’t made from collagen sources that you’re allergic to.

3Could Boost Muscle Mass

Between one to ten percent of muscle tissue is composed of collagen. This protein is necessary to keep your muscles strong and functioning properly. Studies suggest that collagen supplements help boost muscle mass in people with sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass that happens with age. In one study, 27 frail men took 15 grams of collagen while participating in an exercise program daily for 12 weeks. Compared with men who exercised but did not take collagen, they gained significantly more muscle mass and strength.

Researchers have suggested that taking collagen may promote the synthesis of muscle proteins, like creatine, as well as stimulate muscle growth after exercise. More research is necessary to investigate collagen’s potential to boost muscle mass. Research has shown that consuming collagen supplements increased muscle growth and strength in people with age-related muscle mass loss.

4Could Prevent Bone Loss

Your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them structure and helps keep them strong. Just as the collagen in your body deteriorates as you age, so does bone mass. This may lead to conditions like osteoporosis, which is characterized by low bone density and linked to a higher risk of bone fractures. Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may have certain effects on the body that help inhibit the bone breakdown that leads to osteoporosis. In one study, women took either a calcium supplement combined with five grams of collagen or a calcium supplement and no collagen daily for 12 months; by the end of the study, the women taking the calcium and collagen supplement had significantly lower blood levels of proteins that promote bone breakdown than those taking only calcium.

Another study found similar results in 66 women who took five grams of collagen daily for 12 months. The women who took the collagen showed an increase of up to seven percent in their bone mineral density (BMD) compared with women who did not consume collagen. BMD is a measure of the density of minerals, such as calcium, in your bones. Low BMD is associated with weak bones and the development of osteoporosis. These results are promising, but more human studies are needed before the role of collagen supplements in bone health can be confirmed.

5Can Improve Skin Health

Collagen is a major component of your skin. It plays a role in strengthening the skin and may benefit elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. However, several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen may help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness. In one study, women who took a supplement containing 2.5–5 grams of collagen for eight weeks experienced less skin dryness and a significant increase in skin elasticity compared with those who did not take the supplement.

Another study found that women who drank a beverage mixed with a collagen supplement daily for 12 weeks experienced increased skin hydration and a significant reduction in wrinkle depth compared with a control group. The wrinkle-reducing effects of collagen supplements have been attributed to their ability to stimulate your body to produce collagen on its own. Additionally, taking collagen supplements may promote the production of other proteins that help structure your skin, including elastin and fibrillin. There are also many anecdotal claims that collagen supplements help prevent acne and other skin conditions, but these are not supported by scientific evidence. You can buy collagen supplements online.

6Promotes Heart Health

Researchers have theorized that taking collagen supplements may help reduce the risk of heart-related conditions. Collagen provides structure to your arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Without enough collagen, arteries may become weak. This may lead to atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by the narrowing of the arteries. Atherosclerosis has the potential to lead to heart attack and stroke.

In one study, 31 healthy adults took 16 grams of collagen daily for six months. By the end, they had experienced a significant reduction in measures of artery stiffness compared with before they started taking the supplement. Additionally, they increased their levels of HDL “good” cholesterol by an average of six percent. HDL is an important factor in the risk of heart conditions, including atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, more studies on the role of collagen supplements in heart health are needed.

7Helps Relieve Joint Pain

Collagen helps maintain the integrity of your cartilage, which is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints. As the amount of collagen in your body decreases as you get older, your risk of developing degenerative joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis, increases. Some studies have shown that taking collagen supplements may help improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain overall.

In one study, 73 athletes who consumed ten grams of collagen daily for 24 weeks experienced a significant decrease in joint pain while walking and at rest compared with a group that did not take it. In another study, adults took two grams of collagen daily for 70 days. Those who took collagen had a significant reduction in joint pain and were better able to engage in physical activity than those who did not take it. Researchers have theorized that supplemental collagen may accumulate in your cartilage and stimulate your tissues to make collagen; they have suggested this may lead to lower inflammation, better support of your joints, and reduced pain. If you want to try taking a collagen supplement for its potential pain-relieving effects, studies suggest you should start with a daily dosage of eight to twelve grams.

8Other Health Benefits

Collagen supplements may have other health benefits, but these have not been studied extensively. Taking collagen may increase the strength of your nails by preventing brittleness. Additionally, it may stimulate your hair and nails to grow longer. Collagen is known to improve gut health. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, some health practitioners promote the use of collagen supplements to treat intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome.

No studies have examined the role of collagen supplements in brain health. However, some people claim that they improve mood and reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Some believe that taking collagen supplements may promote weight loss and a faster metabolism. There have not been any studies to support these claims. Although these potential effects are promising, more research is needed before formal conclusions can be made.

The most abundant protein in your body is collagen. Several body parts, including the tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles, are made up of the connective tissues where collagen is a major component. Collagen supplements have become popular in recent years. Most of these supplements are easier for you to absorb because they are hydrolyzed. In this article, we shared with you some of the benefits of taking collagen supplements.

First, we looked into foods that contain collagen, side effects, and boosting muscle mass. Next, we discussed preventing bone loss and improving skin health. Then, we talked about promoting heart health and relieving joint pain and wrapped things up with other health benefits. Now that you have finished reading, you can take advantage of the benefits of taking collagen supplements.